Hamas has handed over four female Israeli soldiers who were held captive in Gaza for 15 months to the Red Cross, marking the second release of hostages under a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the militant group. This exchange is part of a larger agreement that will see about 200 Palestinian prisoners being released in return.
The handover took place in Gaza City's Palestine Square, with Hamas militants transferring the women to the Red Cross around 11am local time. The four soldiers, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, all aged between 19 and 20, had been held in Gaza since October 7, 2023. They were among seven female soldiers who were kidnapped from the Nahal Oz military base, where they served as Israel Defense Forces (IDF) lookouts, monitoring activities inside Gaza.
This release comes as a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, providing a glimmer of hope for peace and reconciliation in the region. The return of the female soldiers to Israeli authorities marks a positive step towards building trust and fostering dialogue between the two sides.
The Red Cross played a crucial role in facilitating the handover, ensuring the safe transfer of the soldiers and upholding humanitarian principles. The organization's involvement highlights the importance of international cooperation in resolving conflicts and promoting respect for human rights.
As the released soldiers reunite with their families and loved ones, the focus now shifts to the upcoming release of Palestinian prisoners as part of the agreed ceasefire terms. This exchange of prisoners is expected to further ease tensions and pave the way for future negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Overall, the release of the four female Israeli soldiers is a positive development that offers a glimpse of hope for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict in the region. It underscores the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and humanitarian efforts in addressing complex geopolitical challenges and fostering mutual understanding.
